Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, nestled into warm tortillas, and topped with fresh slaw—every bite is crunchy, saucy, and irresistible. Whether you’re hosting Taco Tuesday or just craving something bold and fun, these tacos deliver big flavor with simple ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bold, Addictive Flavor – Sweet, spicy, tangy… all in one bite!
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Restaurant-Worthy – Just like your favorite appetizer, turned into a taco.
Crispy Perfection – The shrimp are lightly breaded and pan-fried to golden deliciousness.
Customizable – Adjust the heat, add toppings, or swap for chicken or tofu!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shrimp:
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tsp honey
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

For the Slaw:
1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
½ cup shredded carrots
2 tbsp chopped green onions
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving:
6–8 small flour or corn tortillas (warmed)
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Optional: diced avocado, pickled onions, or extra chili sauce

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Whisk or spoon
Large skillet or frying pan
Slotted spoon or tongs
Paper towels for draining
Tongs for flipping
Taco holders or serving plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar.
Taste and adjust spice level as desired.
Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place cleaned shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. Let soak for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and help the coating stick.

Step 3: Mix the Coating
In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dredge the marinated shrimp in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.

Step 5: Toss in Sauce
In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with half of the bang bang sauce.
Reserve the rest for drizzling or dipping.

Step 6: Make the Slaw
In a small bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, green onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes to slightly soften and absorb the flavors.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
Add a small handful of slaw to each tortilla.
Top with bang bang shrimp.
Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and optional toppings like avocado or pickled onions.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Dry Shrimp Well – Pat shrimp dry before marinating for best texture.
Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Press the coating in firmly for crispier shrimp.
Adjust the Heat – Add more or less sriracha depending on your spice preference.
Serve Immediately – Shrimp is best hot and crispy right after cooking.
Make it Healthier – Air fry or bake the shrimp instead of frying.

Serving Suggestions
As a Meal – Serve with black beans, Mexican rice, or street corn salad.
As a Platter – Let everyone build their own tacos with toppings laid out buffet-style.
With Drinks – Pair with limeade, mango iced tea, or a fizzy soda.
As Appetizers – Serve shrimp on mini tortillas or lettuce cups for a party snack.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp separately from slaw and tortillas in airtight containers for up to 2 days.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat shrimp at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended—will soften the crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.
2. Can I bake or air fry the shrimp?
   Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
   It’s mildly spicy, but you can reduce or skip the sriracha for a milder version.
4. Can I use a different protein?
   Definitely—chicken, tofu, or cauliflower work great with the same coating and sauce.
5. Can I prep this ahead of time?
   Yes! Make the sauce and slaw ahead. Fry the shrimp just before serving for best texture.

Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—crispy, saucy, fresh, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or serving up something fun for guests, these tacos check all the boxes for taste, texture, and presentation.

Try them tonight and bring restaurant-style tacos straight to your kitchen. Let me know how they turned out and don’t forget to share your photos!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American–Asian Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 2 Tacos):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 650mg

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